GRCC’s BPA team brings back eight 1st-place awards from state competition

March 3, 2014 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College students recently took first place in eight categories at the state Business Professionals of America competition.

"The diligence of our students’ preparations were modeled throughout the competition and resulted in several BPA National qualifiers," said Peg Schoenborn, adviser to GRCC's BPA chapter and assistant professor of business. "We are all so proud of our BPA students, and it's exciting to see their hard work rewarded."

“We believe that competitive events, such as BPA, are good for our students in helping them improve and polish their skills so they are better able to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive marketplace,” said Felix Pereiro, chairman of GRCC’s business department. “We wish our students the very best as they complete at the BPA National Event!”

Nine students — Duggan, Forsythe, Holt, Klotz, Kulikamp, Martinez, Steimel, Tobias and VanZergen will travel to the national BPA competition, which will take place from April 29 to May 4 in Indianapolis.

Grand Rapids Community College, established in 1914, offers opportunities for more than 30,000 students annually in degree courses, certification and training programs, workshops and personal enrichment classes. GRCC holds classes on the downtown Grand Rapids campus as well as several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.